Protest Erupts in Quetta After Businessman Hashim Noorzai Killed, Pakistan-Afghanistan Highway Blocked

Quetta: Relatives, traders, and local residents staged a sit-in protest near Quetta’s Buleli area on Saturday after the fatal shooting of prominent businessman Hashim Khan Noorzai, blocking the Pakistan-Afghanistan international highway and demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.

According to police, Noorzai, the owner of the well-known Kabul Jan Hotel (Restaurant), was shot dead by unidentified gunmen near Buleli while attending to his business. The attackers fled the scene after opening fire.

Law enforcement agencies, including police and Levies personnel, reached the site shortly after the incident, cordoned off the area, collected evidence, and launched an investigation. Police officials said the motive behind the killing has not yet been determined and that all possible angles are being examined. Search and intelligence-based operations have also been initiated to identify and apprehend the suspects.

Meanwhile, Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove took notice of the killing and directed the relevant authorities to submit a detailed report within 24 hours.

According to Home Affairs Adviser Babar Yousafzai, the home minister ordered the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and instructed investigators to conduct a transparent, impartial, and professional investigation. Langove said those responsible for the murder would be brought to justice and reaffirmed that the government would continue taking indiscriminate action against elements seeking to disrupt law and order.

Following the killing, the victim’s family, relatives, members of the business community, and local residents placed Noorzai’s body at the Buleli Customs point and began a sit-in protest. Demonstrators vowed to continue the protest until the suspects are arrested and prosecuted.

The protest led to the complete closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan international highway, disrupting traffic in the area. Additional police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.

Hashim Khan Noorzai was regarded as a respected figure in Quetta’s business community. Traders, civil society representatives, and local residents expressed grief over his killing and urged the government to ensure the swift arrest of the suspects and provide justice to the victim’s family.